MAKKAH: The Muslim World League (MWL) will host in Makkah on Thursday the Islamic Conference on the Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan. The event will bring together, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, senior scholars from Afghanistan and Pakistan for a historic, landmark event on the path toward reconciliation between warring factions, in an effort to end the fighting and bring peace to the country. Organizers said the conference stems from belief in the MWL’s role in resolving all conflicts and disputes within the societal fabric of the Islamic world, coupled with the great support and care provided by Saudi Arabia. It comes at a time when the long-running conflict in Afghanistan is feeding on extremism, ignorance, racism and intolerance, they added, and should therefore be confronted with science, awareness, illumination of thought, and the revival of the pure feelings of belief and the noble principles of Islam that strive to promote good. They said the work of the conference will reflect the MWL’s sense of historic responsibility as a representative of all Muslims, and its desire to achieve unity, solidarity and harmony, the security of its societies, and the safety of its citizens. The opening session will feature Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary general of the MWL; Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, the Pakistani minister of religious affairs and interfaith harmony; and Mohammad Qasim Halimi, the Afghan minister of Hajj and religious affairs. They will be joined by senior clerics from both countries. Also in attendance will be Lt. Gen. Bilal Akbar, the ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia; Ahmed Javed Mujadidi, the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Saudi Arabia; Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); and Shafiq Samim, Afghanistan’s permanent representative to OIC. The conference will include five sessions with more than 20 keynote speakers, mostly senior scholars. They will discuss topics such as peace, tolerance, moderation, reconciliation in Islam, Islam’s approach to preserving human dignity and life, building peace in light of Islamic principles, the importance of peace and regional security, and the role of scholars in resolving regional conflicts and supporting peace-building efforts. The event will conclude with the recital of a final statement and a declaration of peace in Afghanistan.